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Australian Minister Welcomes Fisheries Science Report

AUSTRALIA - A Parliamentary report assessing the current state of fisheries science will help government and industry gauge the use of scientific data and its application into the future.

The report, Netting the benefits: inquiry into the role of science for the future of fisheries and aquaculture, was presented in Australian Parliament by the Hon. Dick Adams MP, Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture Resources, Fisheries and Forestry.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, welcomed the report and said it would complement the government’s review of Australian fisheries policy and legislation.

“This report will be a useful tool in supporting the Borthwick review I announced in September,” Minister Ludwig said.

“Australia has some of the most sustainable and best managed fisheries in the world, and to ensure we remain at the cutting edge we must couple best practice with the best science.

“By investing in fisheries science, we are enabling our valuable industries to deliver innovative solutions to the challenges of growing international demands and climate and economic impacts.

“I congratulate the Committee for undertaking such a huge task. They have considered many and varied stakeholder perspectives provided in written submissions and consultations.

“Their recommendations have been carefully considered and cover a range of important topics. I thank the committee and in particular Dick Adams for their report.”

The government will begin work on its response to the report and its recommendations in coming weeks.